"[The teenagers] are sweet, hopeful and making steady progress," she told TV Guide.

"The biggest challenge with the kids is the parents, because it's very hard as a parent to hear that you might be loving your kid in a way that is hurting them."

Michaels added: "It's tough getting a parent to see that without them wanting to kill you. I, of all people, totally understand that."

Lindsay Bravo, 13, Noah 'Biingo' Gray, 13, and Sanjana 'Sunny' Chandrasekar, 16, will work with the Biggest Loser trainers but will not be eligible for elimination and will not weigh in on screen. They will also work both at the ranch and at home.

Michaels has previously explained their inclusion in the show by saying: "This is not their fault. This is about an introduction to an active lifestyle and helping them feel better about themselves."